SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - Notre Dame and Navy will play their 98th matchup on Saturday, marking the first time the historic rivals have met in a night game in South Bend.

During World War II, the U.S. Navy rescued the University of Notre Dame from financial collapse by establishing a training program on its campus.

“This is a rivalry where both sides know the history and consider it important,” said Kathleen Cummings, professor of American Studies and History at Notre Dame.

In 1941, as the U.S. prepared for war, many young men joined the army, causing a decline in college enrollment at schools like Notre Dame that relied on tuition. The Naval Academy needed training facilities, and Notre Dame had the space and resources to offer. The Navy came to Notre Dame and started training programs

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